Madonna opens Malawian school

US Pop Star Madonna (C) flanked by her Malawian adopted Children, David (to her left) and Mercy (to her right) are pictured. Source: AFP

SCHOOLCHILDREN and hundreds of villagers danced around Madonna as she inspected school blocks she helped construct in the central Kasungu district.

"Zikomo! (Thank you!)" said the singer as the Malawians people danced around her at Nkoko Primary School where she worked with the non-profit organisation, BuildOn, to build classrooms.

Madonna initially planned to build a $US15 million ($14.4 million) 500-bed Raising Malawi Academy for girls, before changing plans to help fund several community schools to benefit more Malawians. She arrived in Malawi Monday to tour the 10 school wings she has helped to build.

"I love Malawi, I am committed to help end poverty here," she said.

Madonna is the "biggest global philanthropist" Malawi has ever had, said Trevor Neilson, president of the Global Philanthropy Group that is managing the pop star's projects in Malawi. She is exploring more projects she can work on in Malawi, said Mr Neilson.

Madonna's efforts have provided new classrooms for more than 4000 children who previously were learning under trees.

"Madonna is happy that the communities are appreciating her efforts," he said.

American pop star Madonna (C) sits on April 2, 2013 with the two children she adopted in Malawi, David Banda (L) and Mercy James (R).

Madonna has been joined on her tour by her two adopted Malawian children, David Banda and Mercy James, both now eight.

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